1. Can Women Speak In A Bible Class?

2. There Is Authority For Bible Classes We are commanded to teach ( Matt. 28:19-20) The command is “ general ” in scope  God did not specify how to teach  “ General ” is inclusive of methods and means of teaching Bible classes do not violate 1 Corinthians 1:10 Bible classes do not create another organization  Work of the church under the oversight of the elders ( Acts 20:28)

3. God Has Given Roles To Men & Women “ But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of every woman is man, and the head of Christ is God ” (1 Cor. 11:3). Based on two things :  Order of creation (1 Tim. 2:13)  Eve ’ s role in sin (1 Tim. 2:14) Can women speak in a Bible class ?  Whatever the answer is, one must respect the role God has designed for men and women

4. Two Passages Key To The Question 1 Tim. 2:11-12 – “ Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” 1 Cor. 14:34-35 – “ Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak ; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says, And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home ; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.”

5. Does 1 Tim. 2:11-12 Forbid A Woman From Speaking In A Bible Class ? If It Does, Then …  Women are forbidden to sing ( Col. 3:16)  Must learn in silence in every area of life since the context is not identifying the assembly ( cf. 1 Tim. 2:8,9) If It Does Not Forbid, Then …  What does “ learn in silence ” mean ?  What does “ all submission ” mean ?

6. “ Learn in Silence with All Submission ” Let a woman learn in silence With all submission Do not permit a woman to teach Or have authority Women are forbidden from teaching and having authority over a man. “ Silence ” – ( hesuchia ) a disposition that is reflected in a quietness ; does not mean a total absence of words ( cf. 2 Thess. 3:12). In a Bible class, the teacher is in the position of authority. With the right disposition, participation in a Bible class is not a sign of usurping authority.

7. Does 1 Cor. 14:33-34 Forbid A Woman From Speaking In A Bible Class ? If It Does, Then …  Women are forbidden to sing ( Eph. 5:19)  Women Cannot Confess Christ ( Rom. 10:9)  Women Cannot Teach other women or children ( Tit. 2:3) If It Does Not, Then …  What does “ keep silence ” mean ?  What does “ not permitted to speak ” mean ?

8. “ Keep Silence ” and “ Not Permitted to Speak ” To be understood in relationship to confusion in the assemblies (1 Cor. 14:26, 33, 40) The context speaks of those addressing the assembly (1 Cor. 14:27-28, 29-32) This passage reinforces 1 Tim. 2:11-12.

9. Conclusion If women maintain a proper attitude, they can participate in a Bible class without violating God ’ s role for women. Women may never be in a position authority over men in the church. One should not violate their conscience, nor bind their individual conviction on another.